Sooo... I think my mom thinks I'm mentally disturbed.

Dizzy · 11-11-2009, 12:31 AM

The other night, we somehow got into a conversation about an "evil" person. I said something along the lines of, "I don't think there's such a thing as evil. Surely, he had his reasons for what he did".

And this has her worried that I'm psychologically damaged. She claims, "I can't even begin to fathom this, and you're putting yourself in their shoes and acting like it's no big deal." And says that she might have to take me to intense therapy.

I have no idea if she's just overreacting or if I really am crazy. Anyway, I just needed to get this off my chest.

CuccoLady · 11-11-2009, 12:37 AM

The two of you just have differing opinions. If you really worry what she thinks about you, you could always ask her.

Personally, I sincerely doubt that your mother actually thinks there is something wrong with you mentally, she's probably just [due to her differing viewpoint] completely unable to see what you're saying.

There's nothing wrong with disagreeing with people. If you are worried about how she feels about you, though, you can always talk to her. I wouldn't let it worry you too much, though.

I REALLY HATE POKEMON! · 11-11-2009, 07:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raze Dork

I have no idea...if I really am crazy.

At this rate it may be good to see a professional.

***Saria Dragon of the Rain Wilds*** · 11-11-2009, 07:30 AM

^ Why, because he acknowledges that people have motives, even if they're terrible?

Man, you're not crazy or mentally unstable for being able to understand that acts of violence or cruelty come with a motive. That doesn't mean you condone their action, or that you support their motives. It doesn't even mean that you are without sympathy and empathy for the people who have suffered from whatever. "Evil" is just a word we use to suggest that the action of that person is outside the bounds of normal motive. "Evil" can be as basic as greed, or as extreme as mass murder and genocide. "Evil" is just an explanation. You don't need to say someone is evil because they acted wrongly, because "evil" is just a word.

I don't believe in evil, either. I also agree that people have their reasons for acting poorly, or hurting others. Your mental state, on that basis alone, is perfectly fine. You can discuss it further with your mother, and explain that you don't agree with what that person did, but you don't think "evil" is the right word (because they didn't just do it because they're "evil", they had a reason for doing it, and that reason could be just as broken as bad as the action, but it's a reason all the same).

After all, you don't eat pudding because you're "good". You eat pudding because it's delicious and you like to eat pudding.

Luigiman7 · 11-11-2009, 08:06 AM

^ I think he was joking.

Anyway, what CL said. Talk to your mom and ask her whats up. She'll probably clear it up.

***Saria Dragon of the Rain Wilds*** · 11-11-2009, 08:18 AM

^ I think he was, too. But it certainly wasn't amusing in this context.

Robotazy · 11-11-2009, 10:24 AM

Try and reason that you don't condone evil actions, even if you understand the reasoning behind it.

If that doesn't work, move out before she sends you to the loony bin. You have other relatives right?

CodenameV · 11-11-2009, 10:36 AM

I just think your mom is majorly overreacting. Differing viewpoints happen. It's not an excuse to send people to the loony bin if they don't agree with you. Otherwise everyone would be locked up in an asylum, except for those wishy-washy people, but they don't count.

**Deku Trii** · 11-11-2009, 10:50 AM

Yeah, a psychiatrist isn't gonna tell you you're disturbed because you consider what motivates people to do things. That's most of what they do for a living.

I REALLY HATE POKEMON! · 11-11-2009, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saria Dragon of the Rain Wilds

^ Why, because he acknowledges that people have motives, even if they're terrible?

My joke wasn't even referring to his comprehension relating to acts considered "evil", but to the quote I chopped up for the sake of humor. "I have no idea...if I really am crazy."

Of course, if he doesn't really know if he's crazy or not, there actually could be a problem there, but I think it was sarcasm or just words.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saria Dragon of the Rain Wilds

I don't believe in evil.

Well, I do. Look at Hitler. It doesn't mean there wasn't a reason behind his actions and that we can just say "lol hez evul" but that his actions, and the reasons behind them were indeed evil.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Saria Dragon of the Rain Wilds

After all, you don't eat pudding because you're "good". You eat pudding because it's delicious and you like to eat pudding.

Generally true, but I usually only eat pudding because of its texture. And I'm not even saying this to be a douche, but texture is often as important as taste. I like its silkiness. =)

Oh. And I put the winking smiley to try and let everyone know I was kidding. In any case, I found it amusing, and that's all I care about.

Robotazy · 11-11-2009, 03:30 PM

^ Hitler wasn't evil. He was Cuckoo Crazy.

Why else would you exterminate a group of people that you are part of.

Also, Springtime for Hitler in Germany.

It has nothing to do with anything, but I may as well say it once.

Jere · 11-11-2009, 04:01 PM

I want to say godwins law on this thread.

Allso it was not hittler that decided that jews burned better than others, he just pointed the blame on them to have someone to blame the bad economical situation that Germany was in at the time, Hittler didn't start the Hate on Jews iether it was there before he was in the picture.

And i don't think you are Cra(x)zy, your mother seems to have gotten the whole thing wrong, But if you are to be taken to the Basket weaver Hotel tell us so we know.

ZeldaGirl · 11-11-2009, 04:09 PM

"Evil" is relative. It all depends on context.

Rainbow Dash · 11-11-2009, 04:26 PM

you can't deny evil's existence, however not all criminals are "evil" people

Jere · 11-11-2009, 05:54 PM

Indeed x2

I REALLY HATE POKEMON! · 11-11-2009, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chunky Kong12345

you can't deny evil's existence, however not all criminals are "evil" people

Exactly.

1-up Salesman · 11-11-2009, 06:41 PM

I believe in evil. I don't really know what to think about it.

Metal Man · 11-11-2009, 07:14 PM

Good and evil are concepts invented by the Greeks. Before then things were closer to 'that person is crazy' or 'that person is foolish', which I believe is a closer idea to what is 'evil' than 'that guy's evil 'cuz I said so!'

But I'm craaaaaaazy. Ahahaahahahahaha needle spoon rocket pitchfork bubblegum platoon!

PROTIP: This situation is best resolved by asking your mother what her motives and intentions were when she said that and how seriously she meant them, then perhaps explaining you see the motives behind things and feel people are driven by motives rather than abstract philosophical concepts of 'good' or 'evil.'

Although that might be a bit advanced for you to understand. Someone who speaks simpler should give you the reader's digest version of that.

I REALLY HATE POKEMON! · 11-11-2009, 07:17 PM

^ Did that last sentence ooze pretentiousness or was it just me?

**Deku Trii** · 11-11-2009, 09:41 PM

It was pretty bad, yeah.

11-11-2009, 12:31 AM	#1
Dizzy Podiaphobe Join Date: Oct 2007 Gender: Posts: 19,359 Thanks: 1,764 Thanked 1,162 Times in 805 Posts Blog Entries: 116	Sooo... I think my mom thinks I'm mentally disturbed. The other night, we somehow got into a conversation about an "evil" person. I said something along the lines of, "I don't think there's such a thing as evil. Surely, he had his reasons for what he did". And this has her worried that I'm psychologically damaged. She claims, "I can't even begin to fathom this, and you're putting yourself in their shoes and acting like it's no big deal." And says that she might have to take me to intense therapy. I have no idea if she's just overreacting or if I really am crazy. Anyway, I just needed to get this off my chest.

11-11-2009, 08:06 AM	#5
Luigiman7 ヽ(◔ ◡ ◔)ノ.･ﾟ*｡･+☆ Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: ~)´◡｀(~ Gender: Posts: 17,605 Thanks: 1,134 Thanked 1,012 Times in 713 Posts Blog Entries: 8	^ I think he was joking. Anyway, what CL said. Talk to your mom and ask her whats up. She'll probably clear it up. __________________ ／人◕ ‿‿ ◕人＼ＷＯＮ’Ｔ　ＹＯＵ　ＢＥＣＯＭＥ　Ａ　ＭＡＧＩＣＡＬ　ＧＩＲＬ？

11-11-2009, 10:24 AM	#7
Robotazy PRESS ANY KEY TO PANIC! Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: A Tiny Shed Gender: Posts: 16,483 Thanks: 529 Thanked 1,254 Times in 897 Posts Blog Entries: 46	Oh No. A situation where you can't punch someone in the face! Try and reason that you don't condone evil actions, even if you understand the reasoning behind it. If that doesn't work, move out before she sends you to the loony bin. You have other relatives right?

11-11-2009, 10:50 AM	#9
Deku Trii PP&R Mod Current Events Mod Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Texas Gender: Posts: 9,031 Thanks: 521 Thanked 1,099 Times in 583 Posts	Yeah, a psychiatrist isn't gonna tell you you're disturbed because you consider what motivates people to do things. That's most of what they do for a living. Last edited by Deku Trii; 11-11-2009 at 11:21 AM.

11-11-2009, 12:37 AM	#2
CuccoLady Anime and Cartoons Mod Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: THIS LOCATION REMINDS ME OF A PUZZLE, LUKE Gender: Posts: 9,077 Thanks: 2,825 Thanked 1,222 Times in 822 Posts	The two of you just have differing opinions. If you really worry what she thinks about you, you could always ask her. Personally, I sincerely doubt that your mother actually thinks there is something wrong with you mentally, she's probably just [due to her differing viewpoint] completely unable to see what you're saying. There's nothing wrong with disagreeing with people. If you are worried about how she feels about you, though, you can always talk to her. I wouldn't let it worry you too much, though.

11-11-2009, 07:30 AM	#4
*Saria Dragon of the Rain Wilds* Admin "mine.. not yours. NO. MINE." Epic Ladynerd Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Forteresse de Valois Gender: Posts: 28,504 Thanks: 1,658 Thanked 1,820 Times in 1,042 Posts	^ Why, because he acknowledges that people have motives, even if they're terrible? Man, you're not crazy or mentally unstable for being able to understand that acts of violence or cruelty come with a motive. That doesn't mean you condone their action, or that you support their motives. It doesn't even mean that you are without sympathy and empathy for the people who have suffered from whatever. "Evil" is just a word we use to suggest that the action of that person is outside the bounds of normal motive. "Evil" can be as basic as greed, or as extreme as mass murder and genocide. "Evil" is just an explanation. You don't need to say someone is evil because they acted wrongly, because "evil" is just a word. I don't believe in evil, either. I also agree that people have their reasons for acting poorly, or hurting others. Your mental state, on that basis alone, is perfectly fine. You can discuss it further with your mother, and explain that you don't agree with what that person did, but you don't think "evil" is the right word (because they didn't just do it because they're "evil", they had a reason for doing it, and that reason could be just as broken as bad as the action, but it's a reason all the same). After all, you don't eat pudding because you're "good". You eat pudding because it's delicious and you like to eat pudding.

11-11-2009, 08:18 AM	#6
*Saria Dragon of the Rain Wilds* Admin "mine.. not yours. NO. MINE." Epic Ladynerd Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Forteresse de Valois Gender: Posts: 28,504 Thanks: 1,658 Thanked 1,820 Times in 1,042 Posts	^ I think he was, too. But it certainly wasn't amusing in this context.

11-11-2009, 10:36 AM	#8
CodenameV Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Mudkipland, CA Gender: Posts: 215 Thanks: 43 Thanked 6 Times in 6 Posts	I just think your mom is majorly overreacting. Differing viewpoints happen. It's not an excuse to send people to the loony bin if they don't agree with you. Otherwise everyone would be locked up in an asylum, except for those wishy-washy people, but they don't count.

11-11-2009, 03:30 PM	#11
Robotazy PRESS ANY KEY TO PANIC! Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: A Tiny Shed Gender: Posts: 16,483 Thanks: 529 Thanked 1,254 Times in 897 Posts Blog Entries: 46	^ Hitler wasn't evil. He was Cuckoo Crazy. Why else would you exterminate a group of people that you are part of. Also, Springtime for Hitler in Germany. It has nothing to do with anything, but I may as well say it once.

11-11-2009, 04:01 PM	#12
Jere Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sutme Gender: Posts: 3,650 Thanks: 404 Thanked 331 Times in 256 Posts Blog Entries: 3	I want to say godwins law on this thread. Allso it was not hittler that decided that jews burned better than others, he just pointed the blame on them to have someone to blame the bad economical situation that Germany was in at the time, Hittler didn't start the Hate on Jews iether it was there before he was in the picture. And i don't think you are Cra(x)zy, your mother seems to have gotten the whole thing wrong, But if you are to be taken to the Basket weaver Hotel tell us so we know.

11-11-2009, 04:09 PM	#13
ZeldaGirl Awesome member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Why do YOU want to know...? Gender: Posts: 15,896 Thanks: 1,130 Thanked 1,919 Times in 1,046 Posts	"Evil" is relative. It all depends on context.

11-11-2009, 04:26 PM	#14
Rainbow Dash been dreamin', i've been waitin' Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: a bomb-ass cloud house bachelorette pad Gender: Posts: 24,402 Thanks: 173 Thanked 1,179 Times in 716 Posts	you can't deny evil's existence, however not all criminals are "evil" people

11-11-2009, 05:54 PM	#15
Jere Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Sutme Gender: Posts: 3,650 Thanks: 404 Thanked 331 Times in 256 Posts Blog Entries: 3	Indeed x2

11-11-2009, 06:41 PM	#17
1-up Salesman Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Letting you guys know that I'm planning on continuing Attack of the Spammers soon. Gender: Posts: 4,095 Thanks: 2,162 Thanked 250 Times in 194 Posts Blog Entries: 9	I believe in evil. I don't really know what to think about it.

11-11-2009, 07:14 PM	#18
Metal Man Fairy-Slaying Maniac Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: 1592 Miles Away From Here Gender: Posts: 18,062 Thanks: 148 Thanked 683 Times in 482 Posts	Good and evil are concepts invented by the Greeks. Before then things were closer to 'that person is crazy' or 'that person is foolish', which I believe is a closer idea to what is 'evil' than 'that guy's evil 'cuz I said so!' But I'm craaaaaaazy. Ahahaahahahahaha needle spoon rocket pitchfork bubblegum platoon! PROTIP: This situation is best resolved by asking your mother what her motives and intentions were when she said that and how seriously she meant them, then perhaps explaining you see the motives behind things and feel people are driven by motives rather than abstract philosophical concepts of 'good' or 'evil.' Although that might be a bit advanced for you to understand. Someone who speaks simpler should give you the reader's digest version of that.

11-11-2009, 07:17 PM	#19
I REALLY HATE POKEMON! Goku lives on the Sun Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: California, U.S.A Gender: Posts: 12,717 Thanks: 1,334 Thanked 275 Times in 234 Posts Blog Entries: 1	^ Did that last sentence ooze pretentiousness or was it just me?

11-11-2009, 09:41 PM	#20
Deku Trii PP&R Mod Current Events Mod Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Texas Gender: Posts: 9,031 Thanks: 521 Thanked 1,099 Times in 583 Posts	It was pretty bad, yeah.